UK MOTHER LOSS RETREAT
with HOPE EDELMAN
Held at the Charney Manor Retreat
and Conference Centre
in Wantage, Oxfordshire
September 5 - 8, 2024
NOTE: This retreat is for those who were up to age 21 at time of loss…though you can be any age now!
Our first retreat in the United Kingdom has been carefully created based on the input and experiences of more than 400 alumnae who have attended our retreats.
They told us it was critically important for them to spend time with women who were similar ages when their mothers died. They also asked for a retreat based in the UK so travel would be more affordable and attainable from the UK and EU.
We listened — and we’ve planned a very special retreat in the United Kingdom just for women who were up to 21 years old at time of loss.
Spend the weekend sharing stories and doing customized activities with an inter-generational, international group of 24 other motherless daughters* who faced (and face) many of the same challenges you did — some of whom will have stories very similar to yours.
Our flagship three-night, four day gatherings of motherless daughters acknowledge the complexity of mother loss.
This retreat will feature both large-group and small-group exercises, with plenty of time for open discussion and bonding.
You’ll work with Hope and UK grief and loss therapist Elizabeth Neijens, who has extensive training and experience in the bereavement field.
NOTE: All retreat participants must be 21 years or older now. At least 2 years must have passed since the death of your mother to qualify you for a retreat.
*Motherless Daughters welcomes all female-identified and daughter-identified participants.
NEW! We have different payment options with a smaller initial deposit available!
Registration is for a Standard Single Room (Twin Bed) with a shared bathroom. Optional: Upgrade to a Deluxe Room (Double Bed) for an additional fee.
Meet Your Co-Facilitator
Elisabeth Neijens
Elisabeth is a UK-based, trauma-informed psychodynamic psychotherapist with experience in both private practice and the NHS. Her curiosity and compassion about how our minds and bodies respond in challenging or overwhelming circumstances led her to train as a therapist.
She has seen clients with a wide variety of concerns, ranging from the effects of difficult life events to the various mental health issues that arise when our emotional worlds are unmet or in turmoil. In addition to her therapy practice, she also has an interest in the benefits of bodywork, the expressive arts, and equine therapy.
In her work, Elisabeth supports people who have experienced loss of various kinds. From her personal experience of mother loss in her teens, she understands how important it is to have access to appropriate and life-enhancing resources. Elisabeth has completed Hope Edelman and Claire Bidwell-Smith’s Mother Loss certification training to broaden her knowledge in this area.
WHAT CAN I HOPE TO GAIN FROM THIS RETREAT?
Most motherless daughters have never had the experience of sitting in a room filled with others who understand their innermost challenges, triumphs, and fears. You’ll find that here.
Whether you were a young child, a teenager, or university-aged, you’ll have the opportunity to meet with other women who lost their mother when they were of a similar age.
At a Motherless Daughters Retreat, you'll be listened to and supported. Your story will be received with curiosity and compassion.
You’ll learn new ways to stay connected to your mom after her death, and to continue to honor her life and the relationship you shared moving forward.
VIEW THE SCHEDULE
Click the images to download a copy of the retreat schedule.
The schedule is subject to change.
YOUR RETREAT FEE:
$1650 for a Single room (twin bed)
$1895 to upgrade to a Deluxe room (double bed)
NOTE: Housing and food ARE INCLUDED.
Transportation to and from Charney Manor IS NOT included.
NEW: Make a $200 deposit today with a smaller monthly payment option.
The total fee must be paid in full 30 days prior to the retreat.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Single room accommodations for 3 nights;
Nine catered, healthy meals from the first evening until brunch on the final day ;
Customized activities and tips based on your specific needs;
All workshop materials;
A special gift bag;
Access to a private Facebook group for pre- and post-retreat support;
A follow-up group conference call;
Priority access to future retreats and other offers;
A lifetime 10% discount on all future Motherless Daughters ONLINE offerings (support groups, webinars, online courses)
PLEASE NOTE: All participants must be at least 18 years old. At least two years need to have elapsed since the time of your mother’s death to best meet your bereavement needs. Participants must have been ages 0 - 21 when they experienced the death of their mother. .
COVID-19 POLICY (AS OF 03/23):
We strongly suggest vaccination and a booster. We will not be testing or requiring tests of any participant. Each person assumes their own risk if they choose to attend this event, and everyone is encouraged to do what feels right in terms of masking. We are not able to give refunds outside of our normal cancellation policy (see below) for any sickness, so travel insurance is highly recommended.
CANCELLATION POLICY:
Up to 60 days prior to start date: refundable minus the $200 registration fee.
Up to 30 days prior the start date: 50% refundable minus the $200 registration fee.
From 30 days to the start date: non-refundable.
We suggest you purchase travel insurance when you book airline tickets to avoid flight cancellation fees.
Organizers reserve the right to cancel the retreat up to 21 days before start date if minimum enrollment has not been achieved. You would then receive a 100% refund of the registration fee.
WHERE YOU’LL BE CONNECTING, EATING & RESTING:
Charney Manor, Oxfordshire, UK
We’re partnering with this beautifully renovated country inn that offers a meeting space, housing, and dining all on site!
We will have the manor all to ourselves for the weekend.
Charney Manor is situated in rural Oxfordshire and has 3 acres of beautiful gardens.
The site is walking distance to the quaint villages of Wantage and Abingdon.
“At Hope’s retreat, I was able to find what I had been missing since my mother’s death- a sisterhood of women who understand, a sense of not being alone, and a safe place to feel my grief. That sense of community was more effective and comforting than any therapy I’ve had!”
“It’s been almost 25 years since my mom passed away, yet I feel her presence with me and within me more strongly now than ever. I am so grateful for the gift of this retreat and new insight.”
“I didn’t really understand the impact this weekend would have on me until we were about a day and a half into it. I was nervous and unsure before walking through the front door even though I wanted to be on this retreat. I can’t really explain it, but for me, it was a magical experience. I guess a more grown up word would be transformative.”
“My experience at the retreat was truly transformative. Hope and Claire put together a weekend of deep reflection and kindness that enabled me to think through many of the feelings I’ve had for years. The opportunity to talk about mother loss with a group of women that really understand was amazing and the support that I continue to feel many weeks after the retreat is wonderful. I just wish I had done this sooner!”
Further retreat questions? Please send an email to melissa@HopeEdelman.com
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
A Motherless Daughter Retreat is a powerful and often life-changing event. We've compiled this detailed FAQ to answer common questions participants have before and after registration. If your question is not covered here, please contact us at jessica@hopeedelman.com.